Targeted pollutant release in microorganisms

Abstract

A method of using microorganisms to remove a pollutant from a fluid by exposing microorganisms to a fluid containing a pollutant, the microorganisms uptake the pollutant, then the microorganisms are exposed to a condition in order to stimulate the microorganisms to release the pollutant. Furthermore, the microorganisms are harvested and used as a foodstuff for human and animal consumption.

What is claimed: 
     
       1. A method of using algae to remove a pollutant from a fluid, the steps comprising:
 Providing a microorganism growing apparatus having a first reservoir and a second reservoir; 
 Filling the first reservoir with a first fluid that contains a pollutant; 
 Controlling the first fluid within the first reservoir to have a first condition; 
 Filling the second reservoir with a second fluid; 
 Controlling the second fluid within the second reservoir to have a second condition; 
 Growing algae using the microorganism growing apparatus; 
 Exposing the algae to the first fluid within the first reservoir wherein the algae is exposed to the first condition and the algae uptakes the pollutant from the first fluid; 
 Exposing the algae to light and air; 
 Exposing the algae to the second fluid within the second reservoir wherein the algae is exposed to the second condition and the algae is stimulated to release the pollutant; and 
 Further comprising controlling the temperature of the air within the microorganism growing apparatus. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising following release of the pollutant, the algae is then brought back to the first reservoir to uptake additional pollutants. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one moving belt. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one moving belt wherein the at least one moving belt comprises a coating. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1  further comprising at least one moving belt wherein the at least one moving belt moves in a continuous manner. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1  further comprising at least one moving belt wherein the at least one moving belt comprises a surface and microorganisms growing on its surface. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1  further comprising at least one moving belt wherein the at least one moving belt comprises algae, bacteria, fungi, or any combination of algae, bacteria, and fungi. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1  wherein the pollutant is selected from N, P, K, C, metals, salts, pharmaceuticals, a type of PPCPs, or hormones. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising starving the algae of the pollutant by exposing the algae to the second condition thereby causing the algae to consume increased amounts of the pollutant from the first fluid in the first reservoir. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising concentrating the pollutant within the second fluid held within the second reservoir. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 1  wherein the second condition is an elevated temperature as compared to the first condition. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 1  wherein the second condition is an elevated temperature within the range of 30-90 degrees Celsius. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 1  wherein the second condition is an illumination using increased light intensity. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 1  wherein the second condition is exposure to a sorbent material. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 1  wherein the second condition is exposure to a phosphorous absorbing material. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising controlling the temperature of the second fluid within the second reservoir. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising controlling the light within the microorganism growing apparatus. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of harvesting the algae. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of harvesting the algae and using the harvested algae as a foodstuff for human or non-human animal consumption, a fertilizer, a bioplastic, or a biofuel. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 1  further comprising the steps of:
 Providing a third reservoir; 
 Filling the third reservoir with a third fluid; 
 Controlling the third fluid within the third reservoir to have a third condition; 
 Submerging a portion of the algae within the third fluid of the third reservoir thereby exposing this portion of the algae to the third condition. 
 
     
     
       21. A method of using algae to remove a pollutant from a fluid, the steps comprising:
 Providing a microorganism growing apparatus having a first reservoir, a second reservoir, and at least one moving belt; 
 Filling the first reservoir with a first fluid that has a high concentration of the pollutant; 
 Controlling the first fluid within the first reservoir to have a first condition; 
 Filling the second reservoir with a second fluid; 
 Controlling the second fluid within the second reservoir to have a second condition; 
 Moving the at least one belt between a first submerged position, wherein a portion of the at least one belt is submerged within the first fluid held within the first reservoir, and an exposed position, wherein a portion of the at least one belt is not submerged within the first fluid held within the first reservoir; 
 Exposing the portion of the at least one belt in the exposed position to air and light; 
 Growing algae on the at least one belt as the at least one belt moves through the microorganism growing apparatus, wherein the algae consumes the pollutant from the first fluid held within the first reservoir during the growing process; 
 Submerging a portion of the at least one belt within the second fluid of the second reservoir thereby exposing this portion of the at least one belt to the second condition thereby stimulating the algae contained on this portion of the belt to release the pollutant.